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A Festival for Writers, Readers, and Fans
Type: Lecture/Seminar clear filter
Friday, August 14
 

12:00pm MDT

Found Footage Fiction
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Join Gemma for a blood-curdling hour on writing epistolary horror for the 21st century.

FYI
Epistolary horror builds its scares through "found documents"—diaries, letters, emails, police transcripts, recordings—rather than a traditional narrator. By stripping away omniscience, the form turns readers into investigators, forcing them to assemble fragments of evidence into a terrifying whole.

Classic examples include Dracula, Carrie, and World War Z—each using documents like diary entries, committee testimonies, and oral histories to build dread from the ground up.

About Gemma
Gemma Files is a Canadian horror writer, journalist, and film critic. Her short story, "The Emperor's Old Bones," won the International Horror Guild Award for Best Short Story of 1999. Five of her short stories were adapted for the television series The Hunger.
Presenters
avatar for Gemma Files

Gemma Files

Previously a film critic, journalist and teacher, Gemma Files has been an award-winning horror author since 1999.

​She's best-known for her novel Experimental Film (Open Road Media) and her collections of short fiction, including the Bram Stoker Award-winning In That Endlessness, Our End and Blood From the Air (both from Grimscribe). Her next book, Little Horn: Stories, is out as of October... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

It's a Bird. It's a Plane -- Crafting Realistic Imaginary Creatures for Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
You've created a world, but what about the fauna in it?  Let's use our imaginations to furnish an enviroment filled with unique--yet realistic--wildlife.
Presenters
avatar for Shelly Campbell

Shelly Campbell

author
Shelly Campbill is an author who writes primarily fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Self-taught, she has used the experience of other writers, editors, and books on craft to bring her expertise to a professional level. She has published six fiction novels, and one non-fiction... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

You're Write About It!
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Everyone thinks writers are intelligent, well-informed, and clever — but what do they really know? Laugh along with host Kevin Weir and a panel of hilarious writers as they try to answer unfair trivia questions, unravel groanworthy puns, and play ridiculous minigames all to win the Goard of Knowledge (see: nothing) and an uneasy sense of satisfaction. 
Moderators Presenters
avatar for Winston Pei

Winston Pei

Head Alien, The Butterflies & Aliens Library
avatar for Megan Baldrey

Megan Baldrey

Executive Board President, Full Circle Theatre
Megan Baldrey is multi-passionate artist and adult spelling bee champion based out of Calgary, Alberta (Mohkinstsis). An honours' graduate of Mount Royal University's Theatre Performance Program, Megan works as a professional voice actor by day and a playwright, arts educator and... Read More →
avatar for Erin Weir

Erin Weir

Co-Artistic Director, Full Circle Theatre
Erin Weir is a playwright, theatre artist, and educator based in Calgary, where she serves as co-artistic director of Full Circle Theatre.
Her work specializes in collective creation, adaptation, and making Shakespeare cool again. This includes co-writing the award-winning Riverona (a CW-style retelling of Romeo and Juliet), the award-winning Porcelain Dolls ("that play that takes place in the women's washroom at a bar... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

A CRASH COURSE IN CONTRACTS FOR WRITERS
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Writers are all about writing. Other aspects of the business, like contracts, are often mysterious and intimidating.

The object of this seminar is to give writers a crash course in writing and publishing contracts, exploring the history and evolution of these contracts, the key elements in a publishing contract, what it means, what you don't worry about, what you are giving, what you are getting in return, and what you fight for. It's about teaching you to tell good contracts from bad and what kinds of clauses to look out for. Along the way, we'll explore other sorts of writer-related contracts and how to approach and understand them. Useful for new writers, but everyone will get something out of it. D.G. Valdron, the seminar proponent has been an active writer and a lawyer for over thirty years.
Presenters
avatar for D.G. Valdron

D.G. Valdron

Publisher, Fossil Cove Press
Renegade Canadian speculative fiction writer, aboriginal rights lawyer, and all round subversive iconoclast. When not railing against authority and injustice, wherever it may be found, Valdron is a pathological writer with over twenty-five books in print, numerous short stories, essays... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Fear Factor: How Fear Rewires Your Character’s Behavior, Logic & Responses
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Fear doesn’t just make a person feel unsafe; it rewires perception, disrupts logic, and shapes behavior. Learn how to show your character’s fear on the page by understanding how it manifests and leads to specific responses.
Presenters
avatar for Angela Ackerman

Angela Ackerman

Owner, Writers Helping Writers Canada Inc
Angela Ackerman is a story coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression, and its many sequels. Available in ten languages, her guides are sourced by universities, recommended by agents and edi... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Game Theory 101 for writers
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
From the Prisoner's Dilemma to non-zero-sum strategies, game theory explains why people (and characters) act against their own interests. In this beginner-friendly session, SF author and futurist Ron S. Friedman explains basic game theory scenarios, and how authors can explore these principles to fuel great fiction—enhancing rivalries, negotiations, betrayals, and world-building.
Presenters
avatar for Ron S. Friedman

Ron S. Friedman

Writer, Shaw Communications
Ron S. Friedman is an award-winning science fiction author and AI & energy futurist based in Alberta, Canada. His Amazon.ca #1 bestselling novel Typhoon Time, short story collection Escape Velocity, and Aurora Award-finalist story "Game Not Over" highlight his achievements, with works... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

From Overwhelmed to Organized: Your 12 Month Marketing Plan
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Most authors don’t need more marketing advice, they need a clear, sustainable plan they can actually follow. This in-depth session guides writers through creating a personalized, realistic 12-month marketing strategy that aligns with their goals, resources, budget, and available time.
Building on foundational principles of author branding and audience engagement, this workshop walks participants step-by-step through a practical decision-making framework: choosing what to do, when to do it, and how to prioritize tasks throughout the year. We will explore a wide range of marketing options, including social media, newsletters, events, ads, collaborations, publicity, and retailer optimization, and assess each through the lens of financial investment, human resources, and time commitment. The goal is not to do everything, but to identify the right mix of strategies that fit each author’s capacity and career stage.
Participants will receive a checklist/customizable planning template that maps key marketing actions across a 12-month time frame. Together, we will break down how to set measurable goals, batch tasks, schedule seasonal opportunities, and create a plan that feels achievable rather than overwhelming. By the end, each attendee will walk away with the start of their own year-long marketing roadmap, and the confidence to adapt it as their career grows.
Presenters
avatar for Angela Douglas

Angela Douglas

Founder, Eyes on Books
Angela Douglas is an award-winning Canadian author who lives in the Okanagan with her husband and kids. Her debut novel and psychological thriller, EVERY FALL, was first published in January 2025, is a finalist for the Canadian Book Club Awards, was selected as a winner of the 2025... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

Let's Talk About Sex: Writing Effective Sex Scenes
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
In this presentation, we will discuss the purpose and effect of sex scenes, how to use sex scenes to develop characters and relationships, how to handle sensitive language and wording regarding anatomy, and how to emphasize consent and safety so that readers feel comfortable and safe within the scene. This presentation will help you gain the confidence to write sex scenes in a professional and sensitive manner, since such an important topic deserves nothing less.
Presenters
avatar for Brenna Bailey-Davies

Brenna Bailey-Davies

Editor and author, Bookmarten Editorial
Brenna Bailey-Davies (she/her) is an editor and writer based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), Alberta. She specializes in editing SFF and romance for indie authors and trad pub companies, focusing on stories with queer representation. She writes sapphic contemporary romance novels under... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

Practice Makes Perseverance: Steps to Creating a Graphic Novel
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
The prospect of bringing a graphic novel to life can feel daunting, but with practice, perseverance and plenty of self-care, you too can create the graphic narrative you've been dreaming of (or furiously wrestling with). Aaron Navrady's talk will focus on the steps taken from initial inspiration to finished product, using samples of process from his most recent self-published work, The Cold Fire. The story is a fictional medieval epic about a Norman Crusader tasked with pursuing heretics across the Alps during the Albigensian Crusade.
 
Highlighting each stage of the project, the presentation will explore story research and development, rough sketches, layout design, pencilling, inks, watercolours, final page prep, pitching to publishers, self-publication and distribution of finished chapters, and useful anecdotes from other creators that helped along the journey. Included will be a segment on what writers should bring to the table when procuring artists to illustrate their graphic novel script. Aaron will also share the experiential highs and lows that come with carrying forward a 10 chapter epic. He'll focus in on the satisfaction found in the process, and balancing self-care with dragging your book kicking and screaming across the finish line. 
Presenters
avatar for Aaron Navrady

Aaron Navrady

Comic Book Creator
Aaron Navrady graduated from the Alberta College of Art & Design (now AUarts) in 2002. His current self-published comics project is 'The Cold Fire', a medieval epic about a Norman Crusader who joins a company of knights tasked with pursuing heretics across the Alps during the Albigensian... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Book Banning and Censorship: Looking at the Bigger Picture
Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Book banning and censorship have become hot-button items in Alberta in 2026 as the United Conservative government continues to announce new measures for limiting access to books deemed to be controversial. In this session, Kit Dobson sets these issues into context by examining how these limits on books fit into a long history of censorship, a practice that has also come back into vogue in jurisdictions across North America. Dobson teaches on this subject at the University of Calgary and has done media commentary about it for CTV, the CBC, the Globe and Mail, and elsewhere. 
Presenters
avatar for Kit Dobson

Kit Dobson

Professor, University of Calgary
I am a professor, academic, and creative writer in the English Department at the University of Calgary. My most recent books are the nonfiction book Field Notes on Listening (2022) and the novel We Are Already Ghosts (2024). Talk to me about book banning and censorship!

... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 8 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Bucket of Bones: Building the Skeleton of Your Murder Mystery
Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
This interactive and entertaining presentation will introduce mystery writers and readers to the world of mystery building, from the ins and outs of how police might investigate your fictional crime, to choosing your victim, your sleuth, your setting and more. 
Presenters
avatar for Dave Sweet

Dave Sweet

Owner, The Unconventional Classroom
Detective Dave Sweet's career spans 25 impactful years in Canadian policing, encompassing various roles within high-stakes investigations. Starting as a patrol officer, Dave later ventured into undercover work and took charge of task forces targeting gangs and organized crime in Calgary... Read More →
avatar for Charlotte Morganti

Charlotte Morganti

Charlotte Morganti is an award-winning author of mysteries, ranging from short to long, and from cozy to gritty. Her mysteries are usually set in small towns that miraculously harbour both villains and the sleuths who pursue them. Charlotte also coaches new authors about building... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

The Whole Package: Creating a Top-Quality Published Book That Jumps Off the Shelf and Attacks Your Reader (Nicely)
Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
A great book is more than just good writing—it’s a complete package that includes strong editing, professional design, and smart branding. How many times have you been turned off from buying a book because the layout or design was just . . . not great? It screams amateur, right?


This session will cover the must-have elements of creating a well-designed, pleasing product so you’re taken seriously in the book world. We’ll discuss the importance of cover design, levels of editing, formatting, blurbs, metadata, and marketing as well as how to use the IBPA Industry Standards checklist to make sure you don’t hit a sour note when your opus makes her debut on the world stage. Readers really do judge a book by its cover (and pretty much everything else within the covers)! 
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Sommersby

Jennifer Sommersby

Senior Editor/Owner, SGA Books - Plumfield Editing

Friday August 14, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

5:00pm MDT

Take your character from an RPG to a Novel
Friday August 14, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm MDT
You’ve loved taking your RPG character through adventures.

Now it’s time to give their story a novel. Learn how to make the transition.
Presenters
avatar for Darren Tenor

Darren Tenor

Writer / Games Master, D10 Dimensions
Darren Tenor is a Calgary-based experimental writer who tries desperately to keep a low profile. 

Starting with tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) as a preteen, he has decades of experience curating a range of stories across forgotten realms and distant worlds. He's written five official books for the Villains & Vigilantes shared universe and has self-published more than 275... Read More →
Friday August 14, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada
 
Saturday, August 15
 

9:00am MDT

Canada Council for the Arts Funding for Alberta Artists
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Meet Francine Cunningham, Artist Liaison Consultant for the Canada Council for the Arts’ Alberta Focus Initiative, and learn about grants, awards and opportunities available to Alberta-based artists. The session includes a brief presentation followed by a Q&A, and is open to artists of all disciplines and experience levels. 
 
What the Alberta Focus Initiative is: The Alberta Focus Initiative is a two-year commitment that aims to strengthen engagement and collaboration with Alberta’s vibrant arts community, as well as to deepen the Council’s understanding of the community’s unique realities. Two Alberta-based arts liaison consultants will establish an on-the-ground presence for the Canada Council in Alberta. The consultants will engage with communities across the province to increase awareness of and access to funding opportunities and provide the Canada Council with field intelligence. They will ensure that meaningful support is accessible to a diverse range of artists and arts organizations, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved.
 
www.CanadaCouncil.ca/Alberta

Presenters
FC

Francine Cunningham

Canada Council for the Arts
Francine Cunningham is an award-winning writer, artist and educator and is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, in Alberta, but grew up in Calgary, Edmonton, and 100 Mile House, British Columbia. Francine is also Métis and has settler family roots stretching from as far away... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Bannerman

9:00am MDT

Selling Your Book Without Platform
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
How does a widowed single mom with no major platform become an instant national bestseller with a Big-5 publisher? In this candid, insight-driven session, Jessica Waite shares the choices and strategies that helped her manuscript sell in just seven business days—and the lessons any writer can adapt to position their book for commercial success.
We’ll highlight the importance of shaping a compelling, high-stakes narrative that resonates with both editors and readers and stands out in a crowded marketplace. Jessica will demystify what “commercial potential” really means, how to identify and leverage the right comp titles, and why those choices matter long before a book hits submission. Finally, she’ll talk about how to prepare to promote your book, and offer some out-of-the box examples to let readers know your work is coming. (You’ll want to start this part sooner than you think!) 
This session is for fiction and nonfiction writers, and for anyone seeking a practical, inspiring example of how to capture publisher attention without a giant platform.
Presenters
avatar for Jessica Waite

Jessica Waite

Jessica Waite is a best-selling author and award-winning essayist whose work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Alberta Views,The Catalyst and many other outlets. She was a recipient of Châtelaine magazine’s 2025 Doris Anderson Award for overcoming several obstacles in order... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

9:00am MDT

What's Under the Bed - Creating monsters who'll haunt readers long after they've closed the book
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Monsters have given fear a face since humans could tell stories around campfires. As a prey species, we've had millions of years of terror baked into our bones. We've been stalked, hunted and devoured by terrifying meat-eaters. And we've always lived in a world that we have a deep drive to understand.

Fictional monsters pull on our primal fears of predation. We also fear the unknown, and monsters are something we can mold out of the ether of our anxiety. They turn the unknown into something with form. Something explainable.

Come explore what makes monsters scary and how writers craft creatures that stick with us long after we've stopped reading.
Presenters
avatar for Shelly Campbell

Shelly Campbell

author
Shelly Campbill is an author who writes primarily fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Self-taught, she has used the experience of other writers, editors, and books on craft to bring her expertise to a professional level. She has published six fiction novels, and one non-fiction... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

15 Ways to Make Money in the Writing World
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
If you're not independently wealthy, and aren't excited by the "starving artist" lifestyle - you're not alone. But there are many ways to earn a healthy living in the writing world, by doing activities you love, that you may be doing already. In this session, discussing money isn't taboo. But to earn it, you may need to get creative. Suzy will share current facts on what's possible in today's writing industry, and discuss ways that you can turn your love of writing into a viable side hustle, or promising career. 
Presenters
avatar for Suzy Vadori

Suzy Vadori

Author. Editor. Book Coach.
Suzy Vadori
Author. Editor. Book Coach.Suzy is Calgary Bestselling Author of The Fountain Series (The Fountain, The West Woods, Wall of Wishes). This fantastical series has received three Aurora Nominations for Best Young Adult Novel. She is represented by Naomi Davis of Bookends Literary Agency.Suzy is the founder of th
... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

How To Pitch in Real Life
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Session description TBA!
Presenters
avatar for Carly Watters

Carly Watters

Literary Agent, P.S. Literary
Carly Watters began her publishing career in 2009 in London at the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency. She has a BA in English Literature from Queen’s University, a MA in Publishing Studies from City St. George’s at the University of London, and is a graduate of Harvard... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Bannerman

10:30am MDT

Level Up or Die Trying: Writing and Succeeding in Progression Fantasy & LitRPG
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
LitRPG and Progression Fantasy is a genre that has been around for some time, their popularity growing in the past years. Yet how different are they from your usual Fantasy? What are the demands of the target audience, the right platforms to publish your stories, the way to make profit, how to plan ahead and increase your number of readers and followers?

From an author who is now working with a publisher to adapt her Progression Fantasy novel into a webcomic, in this Presentation, you will learn:

Intro: How Progression Fantasy and LitRPG became more relevant and popular in recent years, successful cases (Dungeon Crawler Carl, The Wandering Inn, The Primal Hunter…), and why this could matter to aspiring and experienced SFF writers.
Terminology: What is Progression Fantasy and LitRPG, how they differ from other SFF genres, common tropes and story structures, most popular platforms, usual audience…
How to Make it Good: The essentials and fundamentals in writing a good Progression Fantasy/LitRPG story, mistakes and traps to avoid, how to find the perfect audience for the story you want to tell.
Getting Down to Business: How platforms like Royal Road work, how to plan a story launch, how to get more views and followers faster, how to advertise your story, ways to earn money before publishing to Amazon/Kobo/etc…
Closing statements: Where to find more resources (guides, tools), where to find communities (connections, mentorship programs), questions.
Presenters
avatar for Blake Ravenhart

Blake Ravenhart

Webnovel and Self-Published Author
Blake, also known as Winter, is a fantasy author and professional beta reader with a strong focus on action-driven storytelling, immersive fantasy, and visually rich narratives. With experience in both self-published series and webnovels, she specializes in crafting worlds defined... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

The Modern Hero - Virtues of Uncommon People
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
When we think of the modern hero-the uncommon person-what stands out? Do those who perform optimally do so because they possess something unique that sets them apart? Can the secrets of their ability to perform in a crisis be learned?


Retired Detective Dave Sweet attempts to answer these questions and more through inspiring stories of extraordinary acts of strength and courage, introducing participants to some of the most impressive individuals Dave has met throughout his 25-year career in law enforcement.


For writers, this presentation will focus on the character types and makeup of investigators, police officers and those they serve so they can write it right.
Presenters
avatar for Dave Sweet

Dave Sweet

Owner, The Unconventional Classroom
Detective Dave Sweet's career spans 25 impactful years in Canadian policing, encompassing various roles within high-stakes investigations. Starting as a patrol officer, Dave later ventured into undercover work and took charge of task forces targeting gangs and organized crime in Calgary... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

A CRASH COURSE IN COPYRIGHT
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Writers live by Copyright, it is a fundamental principal of our existence. But it is often only vaguely understood.

What is it? Where did it come from and how did it develop? What rights do I have and how far do they extend? How and when should I negotiate these rights? What are similar rights? What is fair use? What is public domain? How do I know when I am infringing? Or when I am infringed upon? There are books and libraries of books written on the subject, and there are decades of court decisions. We can't make you an expert. But this Crash Course can teach you enough of the basics to navigate your way through the business of writing, and give you the tools to make decisions.
Presenters
avatar for D.G. Valdron

D.G. Valdron

Publisher, Fossil Cove Press
Renegade Canadian speculative fiction writer, aboriginal rights lawyer, and all round subversive iconoclast. When not railing against authority and injustice, wherever it may be found, Valdron is a pathological writer with over twenty-five books in print, numerous short stories, essays... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

An Author's Guide to Longevity and Adapting to the Changing Publishing Landscape
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Publishing has never changed at such a breakneck pace. But some authors not only survive, they thrive for decades, throughout those changes.

Veteran writers and industry experts Mark Leslie Lefebvre and Robert J. Sawyer draw on their many decades of experience in traditional, indie, and hybrid publishing to show how to build a career that lasts.

From big-box bookstores and ebooks to audiobooks, AI, and creator platforms, they’ll unpack the major shifts reshaping the industry and the strategic choices that keep an author’s work visible, viable, and earning over time. Attendees will learn practical approaches to managing their rights and IP, building and refreshing a backlist, embracing new formats and technologies, and cultivating a loyal readership that follows you from one era of publishing to the next.

Ideal for writers at any stage who want a long, sustainable, and adaptable career.
Moderators
avatar for Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Mark Leslie Lefebvre

Writer / Industry Representative, Stark Publishing / Draft2Digital
Mark Leslie Lefebvre (who often writes under the name Mark Leslie) has been deeply involved in the book world since his first short story was published in 1992. A horror and speculative fiction writer at heart, he is the author of the Canadian Werewolf urban fantasy series, inclu... Read More →
Presenters
avatar for Robert J. Sawyer

Robert J. Sawyer

SFWriter.com Inc.
Robert J. Sawyer — called “the dean of Canadian Science Fiction” by both the Ottawa Citizen and the CBC — has won the Hugo, Nebula, and John W. Campbell Memorial Awards for Best Novel of the Year; a record-setting 17 Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Awards (“Auroras... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 5 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

Bored of Your Book? How to Fall in Love With Your Story Again
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Let's talk about every writer's nemesis...BOREDOM. Many writers get to a point in their process where they lose interest in their book or notice that it’s a lot harder to motivate themselves to write. You might be distracted by a shiny new idea for a different story, or realize that you don’t have a very good understanding of your plot and characters. Maybe your confidence is wavering and you’re not sure if what you’re writing is any good. Guess what: it’s all related to dopamine, the brain’s feel-good hormone. When you first start working on a new book your brain is flooded with dopamine, which makes you eager to keep writing, but when boredom or doubt settles in, that steady supply of dopamine drops and you start to find more and more reasons to put your writing off for another day. But it doesn’t have to be this way! The key is to find new ways for your book to give you that surge of dopamine again, and this session will show you how to rekindle that love affair with your story so you’ll be excited to get back to writing.
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Bross

Nicole Bross

Author, Editor, Book Coach, Manuscript Alchemy
Nicole Bross is a certified book coach, editor, and co-author of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers, a writing guide for neurodiverse authors whose ADHD is getting in the way of finishing their books. She's also the author of Past Presence, an... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

Make a Killer Movie: Writing Genre Films For Yourself (and the Market)
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
This would be a way to approach genre storytelling when writing your screenplay. You want to both use tropes and conventions and also when not to.  Finding ways to tell these stories that let you stand apart from the crowded field of unproduced genre scripts and also tell stories that are personal and have depth.  Sharing real world experience for stories that are done to death and making sure it has the elements that attract producers, actors and financing.  This can include adapting stories for screen and finding stories that talk about the world, your POV and tread new ground in familiar ways.  
Presenters
avatar for Michael Peterson

Michael Peterson

Director/Producer/Writer, Peterson Polaris Corp
Michael Peterson (DGC, p.g.a.) is an award-winning producer, writer, director based in Calgary, Alberta and best known for his work in horror and comedy. His directing work includes commercials, documentaries, web series, half-hour tv and the feature films, 'sports' comedy, LLOYD... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Butterflies and Plot Twists: Chaos Theory for Writers
Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Introduction to chaos theory, exploring key concepts like the butterfly effect, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, strange attractors, and fractal patterns. Discover how small changes can trigger massive, unpredictable outcomes—perfect for crafting gripping plot twists, organic character arcs, and layered symbolism. This session equips writers with practical tools to harness chaos for more dynamic, believable, and surprising stories across genres, from literary fiction to hard science fiction.
Presenters
avatar for Ron S. Friedman

Ron S. Friedman

Writer, Shaw Communications
Ron S. Friedman is an award-winning science fiction author and AI & energy futurist based in Alberta, Canada. His Amazon.ca #1 bestselling novel Typhoon Time, short story collection Escape Velocity, and Aurora Award-finalist story "Game Not Over" highlight his achievements, with works... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Confessions of a Pants-aholic — How to Plot a Novel When You’d Rather Do Anything Else
Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Does plotting a novel make you want to scream? Have you ever tried to plan a chapter or scene, and ended up head-desking instead?

If these scenarios are familiar, welcome. This is the session of your people.

Join Claire, prolific pantser and avid hater of plotting, as she shares her tips and tricks for getting your novel planned and written — even if you hate plotting with the fire of a thousand suns.

This is a light-hearted, fun, and engaging presentation meant to help reframe how you feel about your writing process. Creatives of all fiction genres are welcome!
Presenters
avatar for Claire Bonneau

Claire Bonneau

Contemporary Romance Author
Claire is an operating room nurse turned freelance content writer turned steamy romance novel author. She writes bright, voicey stories that center strong female characters. Currently, she works as a freelance writer for medical start-ups, brands, and individual creators while also... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

Beyond the Bottom Line: Running an Anticapitalist Author Business
Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
What would it look like to run your author business in a way that resists hustle culture, extraction, and manipulation, and instead centres care, equity, community, and sustainability? This session explores what it means to build an anticapitalist authorial practice—one rooted in community, ethics, and balance rather than productivity and profit. We’ll unpack how capitalism shapes our work as authors, and explore practical ways to do business differently. Participants will learn concrete strategies for creating an authorial business that honours people, the planet, and personal well-being.
Presenters
avatar for Brenna Bailey-Davies

Brenna Bailey-Davies

Editor and author, Bookmarten Editorial
Brenna Bailey-Davies (she/her) is an editor and writer based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary), Alberta. She specializes in editing SFF and romance for indie authors and trad pub companies, focusing on stories with queer representation. She writes sapphic contemporary romance novels under... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

Offstage Characters: What Are They Up To?
Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Especially in plotty books like mysteries and thrillers (and what SF, fantasy or romance doesn't have a bit of mystery?) secondary characters can weave in and out of the main action. But what are they up to when they're not on the page? Why DID that guy with the knife show up at her house at midnight, just as the book approached its climax? Even secondary characters must have a reason for their return to the plot. 
Presenters
avatar for Susan Forest

Susan Forest

Editor, Laksa Media Groups
Susan Forest is the author of dual Aurora Award-winners Bursts of Fire and Flights of Marigold as well as over 25 internationally-published short stories (Analog, Asimov's, Beneath Ceaseless Skies). She edits an award-winning anthology series for Laksa Media Groups, and was Edito... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Breaking Barriers: Writing, Developing, and Creating Despite Disabilities
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Having a learning disability or mental health challenge doesn’t mean you can’t pursue your passion for writing; it just means the journey looks different. In this empowering session, award-winning author, journalist, and podcast host Steffanie Costigan shares her personal story of overcoming severe dyslexia to succeed as a writer, reporter, and content creator. 

This session is designed for aspiring writers facing challenges such as dyslexia, anxiety, depression, autism, or other obstacles that make writing feel difficult or intimidating. Attendees will gain practical strategies, tools, and techniques to navigate their unique challenges, overcome creative blocks, and develop confidence in their writing and storytelling abilities. 

Through real-world examples and actionable tips, participants will discover that their disability does not define their potential. With persistence, the right strategies, and a supportive mindset, anyone can achieve their dream of writing, publishing, or reporting, no matter the challenges they face.
Presenters
avatar for Steffanie Costigan

Steffanie Costigan

Reporter/Journalist, Reading Dream Press
Steffanie Costigan is an investigative reporter and journalist specializing in crime, homelessness, and the hidden stories that define our communities. Known for her fearless reporting and ability to humanize complex issues, she brings clarity, honesty, and empathy to every piece... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Resurrecting Religious Legends for a Modern Audience
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Many cultures rely on canonical texts and doctrines as frameworks for devotees to follow. Modern writers are presented with a plethora of contradictory sources that claim to be the true “teachings” of any given religious sect. This workshop will examine how to discern historically accurate facts from religious biases and the probable actions of people who have become legendary or even divine. No matter the religion or belief system, from early Zoroastrianism to Wicca, facts and events are usually based on real people, either human or divine in origin. With due respect given to each belief system, this workshop will explore how to make the lives and times of these remarkable beings relatable to a modern audience. What participants will learn: 1. How to find and research non-canonical source material. 2. How to parse research to arrive at agreed-upon historical events. 3. When fact meets faith, and how to meld both perspectives. 4. Building the physical and political world around religious beliefs, and making those worlds real to a modern audience. 5. How to respectfully address deeply held beliefs with historical events.
Presenters
avatar for Donna D. Conrad

Donna D. Conrad

Writer
Donna Conrad is a bestselling author whose genres include historical fiction, memoir, flash fiction, and personal essay. Her debut historical novel, The Last Magdalene, published by Cold Creek Press, has won seven national awards and is designated a “must-read” by Publishers Weekly and The St. Louis Review.Donna’s writing explores the times and lives of marginalized women, making their stories accessible to a modern audience. Her novels blend de... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

The Most Powerful Characterization Detail You're Overlooking: A Character's Job
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
One of the big mistakes writers make is treating a character’s job as an afterthought—choosing something off the cuff to anchor them in the story. In reality, the work they do is the mother lode of 'showing' information that readers need to know about the character's personality, values, preferences, skills, and more! You'll never think about a job as a background detail again.

Presenters
avatar for Angela Ackerman

Angela Ackerman

Owner, Writers Helping Writers Canada Inc
Angela Ackerman is a story coach, international speaker, and co-author of the bestselling book, The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Character Expression, and its many sequels. Available in ten languages, her guides are sourced by universities, recommended by agents and edi... Read More →
Saturday August 15, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 8 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada
 
Sunday, August 16
 

9:00am MDT

A Quiet Hour of Reflection and Poetry
Sunday August 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
A Quiet Hour of Reflection and Poetry
Much as a memoir can retell the highlights and low moments of a life, poetry can tell the story of a sensitive soul.  Come enjoy the poetry of best-selling, Pushcart Poetry Prize-nominated poet Josephine LoRe.  She will share from all her collections:  from her first haiku in the 2016 Haiku Canada Anthology, to the poems in the collaborative collection Late to the Sky, set to be published in the Spring of 2026.
Presenters
avatar for Josephine LoRe

Josephine LoRe

… a pearl in this diamond worldJosephine LoRe has been honoured to present her poetry across North America and Europe. Her words have been rendered into visual art, accompanied by music, and interpreted through dance and ASL. Individual pieces have been published in literary anthologies and magazines in 15 countries... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

9:00am MDT

What Next? Self-editing Strategies for Moving Your Manuscript Forward
Sunday August 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Learn how to engage with your novel or memoir draft objectively and critically, so you can elevate it like a good editor would.
You’ve finished your novel. It might be the first draft. It might be the fourth. You’ve patched plot holes, checked facts, refined prose, and proofread the whole thing—twice. You’ve invested so much already, you’re not sure investing in a professional editor is the right move. But in the competitive world of traditional book publishing, you know that submitting too soon can mean scuttling your chances. 
So…what next?
Join professional editor Sandra McIntyre for a manuscript assessment walk-though and learn how she approaches a high-level novel or memoir edit. Review which elements to consider at the assessment stage and see which problems crop up repeatedly. 
Half of good writing is revision, and developing self-editing skills is an essential part of developing as a writer. This presentation is suitable for fiction and creative non-fiction writers interested in levelling up their big picture self-editing skills.
Presenters
avatar for Sandra McIntyre

Sandra McIntyre

Editor, Parlay Manuscript Services
Sandra McIntyre is a writer, instructor, and book editor with twenty-five years of experience both in-house and freelance. She’s edited anthologies of short fiction and hundreds of books, Canadian bestsellers and award winners among them. Through Parlay Manuscript Services, Sandra... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

Building RPG Props Without Breaking the Bank
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
While many RPGs use theatre of the mind, building props to add to your game can really get your players excited (or scared) when they see how big the Big Bad Guy really is!

Darren Tenor, seasoned Game Master, is here to lead you through building jaw dropping props within a budget.
Presenters
avatar for Darren Tenor

Darren Tenor

Writer / Games Master, D10 Dimensions
Darren Tenor is a Calgary-based experimental writer who tries desperately to keep a low profile. 

Starting with tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) as a preteen, he has decades of experience curating a range of stories across forgotten realms and distant worlds. He's written five official books for the Villains & Vigilantes shared universe and has self-published more than 275... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen A 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

Designing Interactive Stories: An Intro to Visual Novels with Em Williamson
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Visual novels are a type of interactive fiction video game that grant writers the power to easily create digital choose-your-own-adventure-style stories.

In this workshop, instructor and game developer Em Williamson will guide you through the basics of creating your own visual novel. Learn about how to balance your own writing style with player freedom, how to create compelling narrative choices and branching paths, how to create art and assets (even if you don't know how to draw!), and what software is out there to help you get started on your visual novel journey.
Presenters
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

Embrace the cringe of the Canadian identity to find success
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
This session unpacks the challenges of writing from the Canadian perspective and encourages writers to embrace the cringe in order to find success. Writing from a uniquely Canadian perspective isn't easy, and this session includes practice-based critical reflexive techniques to examine the Canadian identity, how it informs our writing, and why our writing matters. The seminar focuses on the creative process in a Canadian context and can be broadly applied to a range of genres. 
Presenters
avatar for Lexie Angelo

Lexie Angelo

Chief Editor, Radical Bookshop and Press

Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

10:30am MDT

Ten Ways to Market Your Book on a Budget
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Many new authors, even those who are traditionally published, don’t realize they’ll always have to be the loudest and most consistent cheer-leader of their work. It now goes with the territory, but where do you even start? And everything is so expensive…
Things like Amazon Ads can be confusing and ineffective unless you know how to use them and even then, they’re apt to change along with the algorithm. It can be very scary when you suddenly realize you’ve spent the month’s rent on Ads that may, or may not, work. 😳
In this presentation, participants will be encouraged to seek out opportunities, services, and support that is close at hand, is simple and/or user friendly, and doesn’t cost huge bucks.
Three particular periods will be focused upon if time allows because they’re equally important to the success of marketing and many new authors don’t realize they need to begin their marketing before publication:
  • Pre-launch (3–6 months before)
  • Launch (month of release)
  • Post-launch (3–12 months after)

Specific Discussions Will Include (but are not limited to):
  • Net Galley
  • Book Contests
  • Victoria’s Co-op
  • Canva | Unsplash
  • Tag Lines
  • Social Media
  • Email Marketing
  • Personal Landing Page
  • Give-aways: Pit-falls and Perks
  • Cross Promotion
This class will include links to prepared check-lists and websites that they can download and keep track of their progress.


Presenters
avatar for Faye Arcand

Faye Arcand

Author | Writer | Creative
Faye Arcand is an award-winning author who embraces the gritty reality in characters and situations. She writes contemporary domestic suspense while dipping into the realm of thriller and women’s fiction. Her works are relatable and meant to spark discussion. Arcand worked for several... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 10:30am - 11:45am MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Design
Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Need advice on choosing an eye-catching cover, what you should and shouldn't pay for, or just plain frustrated by Amazon refusing your current cover AGAIN? The Do's and Don'ts of Cover Design gives you clear, easy to understand guidelines for the technical and creative aspects of building your own cover. Using real book covers to help you visualize advice, this seminar addresses some of the biggest issues and easiest mistakes most self publishers make in choosing a cover. You don't need to be a professional graphic designer to make impressive, technically proficient, and memorable covers: you just need to know where to start.
Presenters
avatar for Crystal Kladreau

Crystal Kladreau

Crystal Kladreau is a professional photographer and publishing consultant in Edmonton, Alberta. She is the creator of The Path to Publication, a series of videos and infographics designed to help make self publishing as simple and painless as possible.

As the child of professional writers, Crystal grew up immersed in the world of Canadian small press. She also studied copy editing and graphic design in post secondary. Knowing her background, would-be self publishers inspired by the boredom of Covid lockdown began to come to her for adv... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

When Dark Clouds Roll In
Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
"When Dark Clouds Roll In" takes participants through what can happen when embarking on a personal growth journey after a crisis or tragedy. Retired Detective Dave Sweet shares his insights on resilience and draws on several chilling case examples, along with his own personal journey with Post Traumatic Growth.


This presentation identifies the formula for resilience, which enables investigators to work effectively in uncomfortable and unpleasant environments while serving both the living and the dead.


The takeaway for writers is that not every detective story requires an investigator to end up as the traditional broken-and-damaged image of themselves at the end of their case. In fact, surprisingly, for many, the opposite may be true, and this reality can add depth to a character in any mystery writer's works. This presentation will show participants how.
Presenters
avatar for Dave Sweet

Dave Sweet

Owner, The Unconventional Classroom
Detective Dave Sweet's career spans 25 impactful years in Canadian policing, encompassing various roles within high-stakes investigations. Starting as a patrol officer, Dave later ventured into undercover work and took charge of task forces targeting gangs and organized crime in Calgary... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

12:00pm MDT

Working with a Freelance Editor: What to Expect When You’re Expecting (a Manuscript Edit)
Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Congratulations! You typed “The End” and you’ve popped the celebratory bottle of Moët or sparkling cider you’ve been saving for this very occasion. *Clink!* Now that you’re done cheering your huge accomplishment, pull on your gumboots and get back in the trenches: It’s time to send your book to the editor. 


In this seminar, we will discuss:


  • the different types of editors
  • the layers of editing
  • what you can expect from an editor
  • the pros and cons of programs like ProWritingAid and AutoCrit
  • how to use AI to assist you in the self-editing process
  • deciding whether you really need an editor if you’re querying agents
  • some great self-editing tips and techniques you can take on yourself to make sure your manuscript is in tip-top shape before you send it off to that agent or editor


Bring your questions and be ready to get red-inked!


Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Sommersby

Jennifer Sommersby

Senior Editor/Owner, SGA Books - Plumfield Editing

Sunday August 16, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

How to Make Readers Fall in Love (or Hate) Your Characters
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Every great story lives or dies by its characters. Readers don’t remember plots, they remember people who made them feel something in a moment. In this seminar, storyteller and producer Chris Corvan explores the psychology of reader attachment and how to intentionally craft characters who inspire obsession, loyalty, or loathing.
Through examples from literature, film, and his own multimedia projects, Chris unpacks the emotional mechanisms that bond readers to fictional people: empathy, projection, mirroring, and moral tension. You’ll learn how to design emotional triggers. From moments of vulnerability, contradiction, and humanity, that make readers invest in your characters long after the story ends.
Whether you write heroes, antiheroes, or beautifully broken souls, this session gives you tools to move beyond “likable” and into unforgettable.
Presenters
avatar for Chris Corvan

Chris Corvan

Author, Publisher & Creative Director, House of Void Press
I am an author, publisher, and multimedia producer based in Calgary, Alberta. Through House of Void Press, I support independent authors with publishing, editing, and long-term creative visibility while championing creator autonomy. I also host and produce the Dripping Creativity... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Leveling Up Your TTRPG Storytelling
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Ready to turn your D&D sessions from “we walk into a tavern” into “LEGENDARY TALES OF EPIC CHAOS”?! Join us for a relaxing, laughter-packed class on levelling up your storytelling skills at the table.

We’ll take you through the magic of worldbuilding and show you how to give each corner of your realm its own vibe, mystery, and personality. Learn how to mix tones and styles of your players, so the characters aren’t just a husk meant to do damage, but they will live and breathe and win you Oscars. Trust us, tears will be shed and gore so visceral, you’ll clench your buttcheeks!

We’ll break down backstories that actually matter (and not just “my parents are dead”), plus share tips on weaving player choices into a collaborative narrative that feels alive, reactive, and downright cinematic. Again, Oscar-winning worthy right? 

Whether you’re a DM, a player, or someone who just wants more story spice in their campaigns for any TTRPG, this class is your ticket to a +5 in Creativity. Bring your imagination. We’ll bring the inspiration.
Presenters
avatar for Hailey P. Foss

Hailey P. Foss

Hailey is a writer of speculative fiction whose work blends character-driven storytelling with influences from fantasy, westerns, and cozy slow-burn romance. With fifteen years of writing experience, she is drawn to narratives that explore identity, resilience, and the unexplored... Read More →
avatar for Kathy Enriquez

Kathy Enriquez

Owner, Kathy Enriquez Books & Art
Kathy is an author and artist who thrives in a weird little space where “aww” meets “oh no!” She’s the meowstermind behind the cute series “What If Cats Wrote”, where cats write poetry, haikus, and much more (including an upcoming horror instalment, because of course... Read More →
avatar for Jacob Breitmeier

Jacob Breitmeier

Out of line books, Out of line books
Jacob was born at a very young age in a small town in Oregon.  Growing up with two older brothers he had many adventures, but it wasn't until he moved to Canada that his adventures became less dangerous and more imaginary. Jacob started playing D&D in 2020 where he learned the magic... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

1:30pm MDT

Your Process, Your Way: The Busy Wordsmith’s Sustainable Writing Practise
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
For the busy writer, books don’t end up unfinished because of a lack of talent or inspiration; it’s often because they lack a sustainable writing practice. And what is sustainable? It’s what’s going to work best for you. Developing a writing practice doesn’t have to be about setting rigid schedules, daily word counts or copying the habits of famous authors; it’s about showing up consistently in a way that you can maintain, even when your motivation dips or life gets busy. We’ll explore how writers can build a process that actually fits their lives, instead of trying to force themselves into methods that collapse under pressure. We’ll look at how routines become habits, what type of accountability works best for you and how to stay engaged with a project long enough to finish it. It’s time to let go of one-size-fits-all advice and start designing a practice that supports creativity, momentum and completion. If you want to stop starting and start finishing, this is how you build a writing life you can sustain.
Presenters
avatar for Nicole Bross

Nicole Bross

Author, Editor, Book Coach, Manuscript Alchemy
Nicole Bross is a certified book coach, editor, and co-author of the #1 Amazon bestselling A Novel Approach: Strategies for ADHD Writers, a writing guide for neurodiverse authors whose ADHD is getting in the way of finishing their books. She's also the author of Past Presence, an... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

The Healthy Writer
Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Too often we have too many projects and too little time and when we do get around to writing it typically means long hours,usually sitting, often hunching and possibly snacking. This lecture will go beyond the usual health tips for writers (sit up straight! take a break!) and look at how incorporating an exercise practice into our writing routines can create positive health, wellness and creative outcomes now, and more importantly, as we age. 

Ali Bryan spent a decade in the fitness industry as both a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor and is a former Master Trainer for Jari Love's best-selling Get Ripped! program.

Presenters
Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

3:00pm MDT

Write What You Know: Transform Lived Experience into Powerful Fiction
Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
What if the stories that shaped your life could also shape your career?
In this inspiring and practical session, Julie A. Christiansen—award-winning psychotherapist, executive coach, and bestselling author—shares how she wove threads from her family history and clinical experience into a four-part women’s fiction series written under the pen name Jaycee Ryan. The emotional authenticity of her stories resonated so deeply with readers that it opened the door to a traditional publishing deal for her nonfiction work, The Rise of Rage.
Participants will learn how to mine their personal and professional lives for rich, layered storylines, how to ethically draw from real-life trauma and relationship dynamics without retraumatizing themselves or others, and how fiction can become a powerful platform for building thought leadership—even in nonfiction genres.
This session is ideal for writers of memoir, fiction, or creative nonfiction who want to turn lived experience into meaningful narratives—and for professionals seeking to translate their expertise into publishable stories that sell.
Presenters
avatar for Julie A. Christiansen

Julie A. Christiansen

CEO, Author, Speaker, Coach, Psychotherapist, Leverage U
Julie A. Christiansen, M.A. is an award-winning psychotherapist, executive coach, bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker specializing in emotional regulation, mental wellness, and personal transformation. With over 30 years of experience, she is the creator of... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 3:00pm - 4:15pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 9 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Developmental Editing Your Book
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Want to know for sure whether agents, publishers and readers will love your book? Readers’ enjoyment is less subjective than you think. You can learn to read your own writing with an editor’s eye. Developmental Editing looks at the big picture of your book’s draft as a whole, identifying red flags and finding ways to fix issues before you send it off to readers. In this presentation, Suzy shares her proven Developmental Editing methodology, used to evaluate hundreds of manuscript drafts, so that you can apply it to your own drafts and your book ready for readers.
Presenters
avatar for Suzy Vadori

Suzy Vadori

Author. Editor. Book Coach.
Suzy Vadori
Author. Editor. Book Coach.Suzy is Calgary Bestselling Author of The Fountain Series (The Fountain, The West Woods, Wall of Wishes). This fantastical series has received three Aurora Nominations for Best Young Adult Novel. She is represented by Naomi Davis of Bookends Literary Agency.Suzy is the founder of th
... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 7 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

The Hidden Architecture of Character Desire: How Want, Fear, and Contradiction Drive Every Scene
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Every memorable character is pulled by a longing they can't shake and a fear they can't outrun. That inner friction, wanting one thing while dreading another, shapes how they think, react, and move through their world. It influences their decisions, alters what they notice, and gives a scene its underlying charge. When desire is written with honesty and precision, tension rises naturally, and even quiet moments feel active and alive.


This lecture looks closely at the internal forces that guide a character from within. Developmental editor Sarah Brinley explains how to identify what a character wants, what they avoid, and how the gap between those two pressures influences the story at every turn. The focus is on understanding how emotional movement creates narrative movement, and how character-driven tension can replace the need for constant plot escalation.


Writers will learn a clear method for building scenes around these internal dynamics so that momentum comes from desire, fear, and choice rather than from external events alone. By the end of the session, you will have a practical way to reveal who your character is becoming and a framework for shaping scenes that feel grounded, intentional, and aligned with the emotional truth of your story.
Presenters
avatar for Sarah Brinley

Sarah Brinley

Founder & Developmental Editor, Wildflower and Main Editorial
Sarah Brinley is a fantasy writer and fiction developmental editor who helps authors reconnect with their characters and rebuild the momentum in stories that have stalled. With a background as a registered nurse, she brings insight into human emotion, stress, and the moments that reveal who a... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Stephen B 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

“How Do You Say…”: Writing With a Bilingual Mind
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
What if your imagination runs on one language, but your emotions bloom in another? Or it feels as if the place where imagination and emotion overlap comes in one version per language? This workshop explores bilingual, immigrant, and translingual cognition — the shifts of memory, rhythm, metaphor, and voice across languages. Drawing on hybrid poetic structures and lived translingual experience, with just a touch of psycholinguistics, we will discuss ways to harness the power of language-interference, emotional memory, and translation as craft tools.
Presenters
avatar for Lavinia Leon

Lavinia Leon

Lavinia Leon (MD, PhD, AuDHD) was born in Romania and writes about the times and forms of Home from amiskwaciwâskahikan / Edmonton. Her writing orbits around the in-betweens — "the eternally hybrid spaces that carry liminal and luminous qualities alike," she says. Lavinia received an Honourable Mention in... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 4 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada

4:30pm MDT

Something in the Air Tonight: Using Setting to Reflect Emotion
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - Monday August 17, 2026 5:45pm MDT
Pounding hearts, sweaty armpits, and noodle legs – there are so many ways to convey a character’s emotion through their own experience, but how can we take that further in our writing? In this workshop, we’ll discuss and practice techniques for expanding our characters’ feelings into the setting itself, so that the very world around them is coloured by their experiences.Bring a paper and pen – or whatever you’d prefer to free write with – and come prepared to learn, practice, and discuss other writers’ work and our own as we uncover the potential for deepening scenes and making every word count.
Presenters
avatar for Fiona McTaggart

Fiona McTaggart

As an avid lover of all things genre fiction, Fiona has been writing Sci-Fi and Fantasy for most of her life, for both middle grade and adult audiences. She is the former Editorial Director of MuggleNet.com and has an Honours BA in English and Creative Writing from Concordia University... Read More →
Sunday August 16, 2026 4:30pm - Monday August 17, 2026 5:45pm MDT
Hyatt Regency Calgary - Imperial Ballroom 8 700 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 5P6, Canada
 
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